Founded in the mid-1990s by artist and skater David “Dave” Ortiz, Crime Skateboards emerged from the San Francisco Bay Area as a raw and creative force within underground skate culture. Blending street skating with street art, Crime became known for its distinctive deck graphics and grassroots ethos.
With collaborations featuring underground artists and a commitment to supporting local skaters, Crime Skateboards helped define the creative edge of ’90s street skating. Its promotional videos and community-driven focus celebrated skateboarding as a form of expression—not just a sport. Though lesser known in the mainstream, Crime’s influence endures in the art-forward evolution of skateboarding and its DIY spirit.